Watch Deal Alert: The MVMT Ocean Plastic Watch Discounted on Amazon

Watches made from recycled materials are an interesting subset of the horological world. Several companies offer them and, now, MVMT offers their Ocean Plastic Watch for 45% off on Amazon. The watch has a wave design in the dial, a 45mm diameter case, a solar-powered movement, and a 100-meter water resistance rating to allow its actual use swimming and at the ocean.

The Momentum Ocean Plastic watch

The strength of this MVMT watch is its artistic design. You don't often find watches with strong designs incorporating unconventional materials, textures, and visual elements at affordable price points. But, at 45% off this watch comes in at just under $60. It gets 3.5 stars in 10 ratings on Amazon. Some purchasers have found the 22mm wide strap to be too short. Still, it would make a unique addition to any collection.  If you are intrigued by the MVMT Ocean Plastic quartz watch, you can check it out  here via my affiliate link to Amazon. 

TGIF: Drama on X

A Short Suspension on X

This week my the watch dude account got temporarily suspended on X. I shared some of the commission junction watch deals for Timex and I think I ran afoul of the social media platform's rules against spam and third-party advertising. I guess I proved human and they revived me. Unfortunately, they didn't clarify what rules I violated to catch the attention of their algorithm.

My Pulsar and a peek down the sidewalk

The suspension was a bit of a bummer since the X platform has been a favorite time-waster for a long time. The platform's economics have never really worked out for me. The promise of payouts has been elusive and the engagement goalposts to qualify have moved several times. Now, that my account is revived, I'll have to be much more careful with my posts and retweets. I'll likely post more great watch  deals here than there.

Ten Dollar Tuesday: Casotime Tactical Military Watch for Men

If you've got $10 and an appetite for a military-style watch, your money can go far! The Casotime Tactical Military Watch is currently discounted by 60% on Amazon to come in at an amazingly low price that's well below $10. The watch offers 30-meter water resistance, a 40mm diameter dial, and a battery good for 1+ years.

Casotime Tactical Military Watch for Men (Amazon Photo)

The strap is of a generous size and the watch looks like a competitor to entry-level Timex Expedition watches. But, there may be drawbacks with a watch this cheap. For example, the 1-year battery life and "fire-and-forget" operation makes me wonder if it is hard to change a battery. You can check this low-priced Casotime watch out here via my affiliate link.

Watches A to Z: Laco

Everyone pays attention to the big Swiss watch brands like Rolex, Tudor, and Tissot, but other European countries also have some fantastic brands. For example, the German town of Pforzheim is headquarters to Laco Watches. The company started as Lacher & Co in 1925 and made a name for itself as a producer of aviation watches. During World War II, the company was one of five watch producers for the German Luftwaffe.

The Laco Type B Miyota Movement (Amazon Photo)

The Laco brand uses a variety of Miyota, Sellita, and ETA movements in their watches. If you order from the factory, there are also some upgrade options on the movements for a few seconds per day improvement in watch accuracy. It's an option that I have never heard offered before, but it makes sense. On some of their watches, you can opt for a decorated movement. There are also many options for customizing watches through engraving, changing the step side, the calendar disc, crystal coatings, and swapping watch straps. The FAQ portion of the factory website explains the myriad options available. You can visit the Laco Watches site here.

Laco Augsburg Automatic (Amazon photo)

One of the things that I think makes Laco watches interesting to readers of this blog is attainability. Even with the brand's strong heritage and Made in Germany traditions, Laco offers watches that cost less than $3000. The majority fall around $1200 and the brand has many classic affordable watches that cost less than $600.  You can even find several models on Amazon. For example, the Laco Augsburg Automatic (shown above) is a replica of a World War 2 pilot's watch and it is available via my affiliate link here on Amazon for less than $500! 

Laco Type B Automatic (Amazon Photo)

If you like the Laco Type B Automatic with the hours on an inner ring within the dial (as shown above), it is also available on Amazon with a sub-$500 price tag. You can get it here on Amazon via my affiliate link. It's nice to know that you can still get a high quality watch from a historic brand at an attainable price point. It's definitely the kind of watch that makes collecting interesting.

TGIF: Time for Baseball Watches

It's almost baseball season. Opening day for Major League Baseball is Friday, March 27th. Whether you're excited for your team or news that summer is on the way, there are lots of great timepieces to celebrate America's pastime. If you're looking for a watch for a younger fan, the Timex Recruit might be the perfect choice. It has a mid-sized resin case and a fast wrap nylon strap.

Timex Recruit (Timex Photo)

You can get this model factory fresh from the source here using my Timex Affiliate link. Your purchase will generate a small commission to support this blog.

Cubs fans might like this Timex Men's Clutch model. It has a brushed stainless steel case, a woven nylon strap, and 50-meters of water resistance. You can examine and get it directly from Timex via my paid affiliate link by clicking the image: 

Timex Clutch Series Chicago Cubs Watch (Paid Affiliate Link)

These Timex watches are available for nearly every sport and every season. But, they stand the test of time and provide a great value to sports fans! Take one out to the ballpark!

Ten Dollar Tuesday Watch: EAJOMIN Gediyar G713 Sport Watch

 As we deal with a challenging economy, it can be fun to grab a good looking watch from time to time. This EAJOMIN Gediyar G713 watch recently caught my eye. I'm just a sucker for silver-on-silver watch case and dial combinations. This watch regularly sells for less than $10 and is currently 11% off on top of that to make for a low, low, price. It's a pretty tempting price.

EAJOMIN Gediyar G713 Sport watch (Amazon Photo)

The watch is 43mm in diameter and 9.5mm thick. It comes with a long silicone strap that is 25 centimeters long. That allows this watch to accommodate wrist diameter of up to 9.85-inches. The watch is advertised as waterproof for daily life. (I take that to mean a few splashes or light rain capable.)

The main drawback that I see to this timepiece include the unknown metal quality. There is a review that indicate the wearer got a rash from the clasp to this watch. I'll have to add this drawback to my TGIF post on The Drawbacks of Cheap Watches.

Still, it's a great look, a great size, and an incredibly low price. If you want to test your resistance to temptation, check this EAJOMIN Gediyar watch out here via my affiliate link.

Watch Deal Alert: Great Amazon Deals on Timex Chronograph Watches

There are two noteworthy Timex chronograph-style watches that have recently been featured as Amazon Deals. Both watches come from a premium watch series and both have great takes on a classic watch style. One is a Marlin and the other is a Q Series Chronograph.  

Timex Marlin 40mm Chronograph Amazon Deal

As of this posting on March 1, 2026, the Timex Marlin 40mm Quartz Chronograph is 39% off on Amazon. It's a great deal for a premium Timex watch.

Timex Marlin Quartz 40mm Chronograph (Amazon Photo)

If you'd like to check this watch out further and potentially purchase it, you can see Marlin Chrono right here via my Amazon Affiliate Link.

Timex Q-Series 40mm Chronograph Amazon Deal

The second Timex Chronograph watch is the reissued Timex Q 40mm Chronograph. This watch is steeped in Timex quartz watch history and provides the integrated bracelet style that has been recently popularized by the Tissot PRX. It's a great looking watch and it's a healthy 29% off.

Timex Q Series Quartz 40mm Chronograph (Amazon Photo)

To see this watch forthwith and directly, check it out here using my Amazon affiliate link. 

Affordable Alternatives to the Rolex Milgauss

The Rolex Milgauss was a very special watch. It was designed for engineers, scientists, and technicians who would encounter strong electromagnetic fields during the course of their professional work. The movement is surrounded by an internal soft iron shield that is often referred to as a Faraday Cage. It offered 1000 gauss resistance. More modern versions of the Milgauss added a paramagnetic blue parachom hairspring and an anti-magnetic escapement that used components like a nickel-phosphorus escape wheel. From a style perspective, the Rolex Milgauss has the very business-like demeanor of a tool watch.

Rolex Milgauss Oyster Perpetual Watch (Amazon Photo)

The Rolex Milgauss was actually discontinued back in 2023, but it still commands a hefty price tag. To take a look at this pre-owned Rolex Milgauss, you can use my Amazon affiliate link here. However, with a little luck and perseverence, we can find some more affordable alternatives to the Rolex Milgauss.

What kind of Rolex Milgauss Alternative is Right for You?

The first question to answer when seeking a Rolex Milgauss alternative is "what kind do you need?" Do you need the anti-magnetic properties of the milgauss because of the nature of your work or hobbies? Do you want a watch that looks like a Rolex Milgauss because of its no nonsense tool watch-style?

Anti-Magnetic Alternatives to the Rolex Milgauss

Watches like the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra and Railmaster are good alternatives to the Milgauss in terms of capability. But, they are still quite expensive with price tags in the $4000 to $6000 range. A more affordable alternative to the Milgauss comes from Tissot. The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium uses an anti-magnetic silicium main spring for greater resistance to magnetic fields.

Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium (Amazon Photo)

There have been many tests online between the Rolex Milgauss and the Tissot Gentleman. In each case, the luxury level of the Rolex puts it in a class far above the Tissot. However, if you are looking for anti-magnetics capabilities and similar looks, the Tissot is not cheap. However, it is attainable by mere mortals. You can check out the Tissot Gentleman here using my Amazon affiliate link.

Homage Alternatives to the Rolex Milgauss

In the real world, employers are working hard to replace western workers with low cost work forces in far away lands or with AI bots and agents inside their own networks. It can make a luxury or ultra-luxury watch hard to afford for most people. Fortunately, there are homage watches that mimic the looks of high end watches like the Rolex Milgauss for a fraction of the price.

Benyar Men's Classic Automatic

This Benyar Men's Classic Automatic watch is an homage to the Rolex Milgauss. The watch sports a 36-hour power reserve, a lightning bolt second hand, and some minimal degree of water resistance. The watch is currently available for less than $70 right here via my Amazon affiliate link.

 

Wristwatch Review: Auriol GMT-style Quartz Watch

Hands-On With a LIDL Watch

The German discount grocery chain, LIDL, has an interesting business model that centers around low grocery prices in small footprint neighborhood grocery stores. The chain also offers other goods on an occasional or "special buy" basis. One watch that they offered was from their house-brand Auriol had the look of a GMT-watch. However, it did not have actual GMT functionality. I found one in a Georgia thrift store so we can take a closer look at it.

Auriol GMT-Style Watch from LIDL

LIDL Watch Features

The Auriol GMT style watch has a rotating bezel with 24-hour markings. However, it doesn't have a dedicated fourth hand to provide GMT time keeping. The watch has hour markings similar to those of a classic timepiece and the case protrudes to protect the crown.

Auriol GMT-Style Watch

LIDL Watch Dimensions

This watch isn't too little. The case is about 43mm in diameter and 45mm if you count the crown. The case is 12mm thick. Lug-to-Lug measures about 50mm. 

At 12mm, the Auriol GMT-style watch isn't too tall

The bracelet fits my 7 and 3/4 inch wrists without adjustment or link removal. I has a little rattle when you shake it. But, the bracelet looks pretty solid.

The LIDL Auriol watch metal bracelet

LIDL Watch Construction

The LIDL watch is made in China and appears to have a stainless steel case with a matching bracelet. The case has a shiny finish. The interior links of the bracelet are shiny and the exterior links have a flat metal finish. The brand claims 5 atmospheres of water resistance. For a non-name brand watch, I suspect that a bit. Still, the watch seems pretty solid and well-constructed for an inexpensive timepiece.

The caseback of the Auriol LIDL watch

LIDL Watch Overall Impression

This watch seems pretty solid and in keeping with the quality standards of sub-$50 watches. It's also a comfortable watch to wear. The main drawback seems to be the lack of an actual GMT function. Since I bought it for about $10 at a thrift store, I'm very pleased with it as a find. I think it would be a good deal up to about $35. Overall, this is an interesting addition to my collection.

The Auriol LIDL watch is a nice beater watchc

 

TGIF: The H. Moser & Cie Venturer - A Dream Watch on Amazon

We've been hitting the budget watches hard on this blog lately. Perhaps it is because my personal budget is super tight. But, sometimes it is nice to dream and look at the watches most of us can only imagine. One such watch that I recently stumbled across on Amazon is the H. Moser & Cie Venturer. It's a minimalist, manually-wound, watch with small-hands seconds. While it's a luxury timepiece, it's not dainty. This watch is 43mm in diameter. The H. Moser & Cie Venturer is a classy watch with an eye-watering price tag.

The H. Moser and Cie Venturer Manually-Wound Watch (Amazon photo)

It's amazing to see a high-end timepiece with a minimalist look. Somehow, even without accoutrements, extras, and even brand labels, it looks out of this world in comparison with everyday timepieces. Perhaps it is the Kudu leather strap? The exotic leather is sourced from sustainably managed African antelope. If you'd like to purchase this fine timepiece, it is available from my affiliate link here on Amazon.

Watch Spotlight: The Bulova Accutron II Surveyor

One of the cool watches that I did see on my trip to the pawn shop last week was this Bulova Accutron II Surveyor (below). The Accutron II series of quartz watches commemorates the original Bulova Accutron product line. The Accutron brand name was a combination of Accuracy and Electronics. The line was introduced in 1960 as the world's first fully electronic watch series. The original Accutron watches kept time via a tuning fork that vibrated at 360 hertz. It offered 2-second per day accuracy. The Accutron II line was introduced in 2014 as a quartz watch line. It uses the ultra-high frequency Bulova Precisionist movement.

Bulova Accutron II Surveyor (Model 97B133)

This particular watch (Model 97B133) appears to have a rose-gold plated case and a blue dial that can appear brown in certain lighting due to a gradient affect. It has a great vintage look with what appears to be a gold-plated case.  The crown is canted to nearly 4 o'clock and the date window at 6 o'clock is quite readable. I feel a bit drawn to this Bulova due to the vintage look and the gold look. It was priced reasonably at just over $200 at the pawn shop. I may check on it in a few weeks.

Ten Dollar Tuesday Watch: LN Lenqin Diver-Style Watch

The US economy is really rough these days. Lay offs stretch across the land and young people have trouble landing entry-level jobs due to foreign competition and the rise of AI. When young people are living 4-people to a 2 bedroom apartment, it makes luxury watches seem like a distant dream. However, there are plenty of inexpensive watches that can give you great watch looks on a low budget. One watch company that offers low cost watches in China's LN Lenqin. They currently have a diver-style watch for only $10.  It's normally a $20 watch and, as of February 16, 2025, it is 50% off. It's a nice looking Rolex Submariner homage at a very affordable price.

LN Lenqin Diver-Style Quartz Watch

There is a chance that this watch might be inspired by a classic dive watch. It has the dive watch look. The watch has a quartz movement, a date window, a silicone strap, and a mineral glass crystal. There are some complaints with the metal bracelets for this watch, but reviewers seem satisfied with the silicone strap. Water resistance is highly suspect with much of the Amazon copy cautioning against fully immersing the watch. Nevertheless, this watch is faithful to the classic dive watches of our dreams. It comes in several color and case variations. It is available with a date cyclops bubble to mimic the Rolex Submariner look. Overall, it gets 4.1 stars on Amazon. To check it out, visit it here via my Amazon affiliate link.
 

Wristwatch Review: Gosasa SKMEI Men's Quartz Chronograph Watch

This is a review of a Gosasa SKMEI quartz chronograph watch that I purchased off of Amazon for less than $10. In fact, it was on the Amazon Haul portion of the site with a clearance price of only $5.  But, don't le the low price fool you. This watch is surprisingly capable. The established watch brands should be quaking in their boots and thank their lucky stars that this watch was listed with the laughable name of "Gosasa Men's Elegant Quartz Watches Waterproof Big Face Date Analog Watch Dainty Business Dress Watches for Men Stainless Steel/Silicone Strap Gifts for Men." Few western men want a "dainty" watch.

Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph Watch

I'm not sure if Gosasa is a brand name or the Amazon store name. Chinese watch manufacturing can be pretty opaque. I've seen watches being sold with the SKMEI label in many outlets.

Gosasa Watch Features

The most surprising thing about the Gosasa Quartz Chronograph is that it actually has features. In fact, it has functional subdials that provide a 1/10 of a second timer at 12 o'clock, a second timer at 6 o'clock, and a minute timer at 9 o'clock. The watch also has the date in a window at 3 o'clock.

The subdials all work, but the 1/10 of a second time stops after 2 to 3 minutes. I think this may be intentional. Perhaps the designers think that after the first 3 minutes, wearers are no longer interested in 1/10 of a second times? This may be an intentional design as the product video shows the 1/10 of a second subdial stocking after just a couple of minutes. It does save some wear and tear on the watch.

This watch has traditional chronograph markings around the bezel. However, these are just for style since the large second hand does not work like a traditional stop watch. This isn't a strike against the watch design. Many watch manufacturers provide chronograph markings without chronometer functionality.

Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph

Gosasa Watch Style

This watch has traditional chronograph styling and comes is sometimes offered in a wide variety of colors. As of this writing, the only color being offered is a rose gold-tone case with blue dial and bezel. In terms of style, this watch hits the mark and sticks the landing it is a great looking watch.

Gosasa Watch Construction

The Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph looks like a pretty solid watch. The Amazon listing says that this watch has a zinc alloy case and a stainless steel caseback. It also has a mineral-reinforced glass crystal that is gently domed.

Gosasa SKMEI Men's Quartz Chronograph Caseback

If there is an area of cost cutting, it might be the bezel. It is made of a hard black plastic that actually looks very good. The Amazon copy claims that the watch is water resistant to 30 meters. The watch comes with a silicone strap, but it is also sometimes offered with a stainless steel bracelet. Overall, this watch is built at a quality level and materials level that is similar to other watches that cost less than $50.

Gosasa Watch Dimensions

This Gosasa chronograph is a fairly big watch and it has some heft. It feels substantial. It has a 45mm diameter case. It's 46mm in diameter if you include the crown. The case is a bit thick at 15mm.  Lug-to-lug, I measure 47mm. This watch isn't dainty. 

Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph Profile

The black silicone strap is 18mm wide at the lug and tapers to about 16mm at the clasp.  The strap is generously long and fit my 7 3/4-inch wrist perfectly and doesn't have too much overhang. 

Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph Silicone Strap

The strap curves to conform to the round case, but it should be easy to replace since it is a conventional silicone strap.

Overall Impressions of the Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph

The Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph was a great buy. It looks good, seems solidly constructed, and works well. With this watch, I do miss being connected to a historic brand with an origin story and a legacy. Gosasa SKMEI is a fairly unknown entity to western watch purchasers. However, the Amazon store for this inexpensive fashion brand shows quite a few daring designs and they are all affordably priced. If I want to entertain myself with a watch purchase that doesn't break the bank, I'll look to Gosasa and SKMEI again. 

Where to Buy the Gosasa SKMEI Chronograph Watch

You can get a rose gold tone and blue version of this watch here via my affiliate link to Amazon.

Watch Deal Alert: Timex Men's 40mm Expedition Scout

If you are looking for a great deal on a field watch, check out the Timex Men's 40mm Expedition Scout with fabric strap. This is the traditional Timex Expedition watch that is familiar to many watch enthusiasts and outdoorsmen. I reviewed the leather strap version of this watch back in 2018, you can read my Timex Expedition Scout review here.

Timex Men's 40mm Expedition Scout

This Timex Expedition watch has Indiglo Backlighting, 50 meters of water resistance, and a NATO-style watch strap. It gets 4.3 stars among Amazon purchasers and they sell over 2000 watches per month. It's a solid choice for a beater watch that can stand up to everyday wear and outdoor activity.

The Timex Expedition Scout Amazon Deal

As of February 12, 2026, this watch is 14% off to bring it in just over $40. If you'd like to jump on this deal, you can find this Timex Expedition Scout here on Amazon.

The Best Timex Offerings on Amazon

I've collected some of the best Timex watches being offered on Amazon in one convenient page - Best Timex Watches on Amazon.

TGIF: Watch Shopping at a Local Pawn Shop

I had a chance to visit a pawn shop and look at watches last weekend. It was a first pawn shop visit for me as a watch blogger. The pawn shop was located in a suburban Atlanta location that sat between lower income, gentrifying, and not too far from well-off neighborhoods. 

What Kinds of Watches Can You Find at a Pawn Shop?

The watches for sale behind the glass ran the gamut from higher end names like Rolex, Breitling, and Frederique Constant to more attainable watch brands like Tissot, Bulova, Seiko, Invicta, and Pulsar.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust

Watch Prices at a Pawn Shop

Prices ran the gamut from $10,000+ for iced out luxury watches to $50 for a Pulsar watch. The shop had 3 Rolex Datejust watches for $7000 apiece without papers or boxes. A Breitling Aeromarine watch with some signs of wear was available for about $3000. I felt that prices were fair across the board and reflected the demand, value, and conditions of the watches well.

Breitling Aeromarine Watch

While all of the luxury watches had prestigious pedigrees, I found it a little difficult to envision buying any of them. Simply put, $6000 or even $3000 is quite a bit of money. It's enough for a nice family vacation, a used vehicle, or many other more practical purchases or investments. Thus, I found myself gravitating towards more affordable watches that instinctively felt more comfortable. I was quite surprised to find a great selection of affordable watch. The pawn shop had plenty of Bulova, Tissot, Invicta, and Seiko watch models under the glass. I'll highlight some of my favorites in future posts.

Watches to Celebrate Super Bowl LX: Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots

The 60th National Football League Super Bowl will be held today at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The clash between America's best football teams will feature the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. If you are a fan and a watch enthusiast, you're in luck as both teams are well-represented in timepiece choices. There are seven Timex watch models dedicated to the Seattle Seahawks and nine Timex watch models dedicated to the New England Patriots. Perhaps that gives a slight edge to the Patriots? We'll see who wins.

Timex Tribute Series Citation Patriots Watch (Amazon Photo)

I have this Timex Tribute Series Citation 42mm quartz New England Patriots watch (above) to celebrate my favorite college football team and it's a great timepiece. If you're interested in purchasing this watch, it's available for the Patriots, the Seahawks, and many other NFL teams on Amazon at my affiliate link.

Timex Men's NFL Acclaim Watch (Amazon Photo)

If you prefer a watch with a dark finish, the Timex NFL Acclaim watch is the flip side of the Citation coin. Both watches offer a practical 50-meters of water resistance, Indiglo backlighting, and high quality brass cases.  You can check out the Acclaim here on my Amazon affiliate link. Whether your team wins or not, these Timex watches are long-lasting timepieces that will celebrate your team's Superbowl appearance for years to come.

Watch Spotlight: Seiko SNE593 Prospex Dive Watch

An  Extreme Action Winter Weather Watch

The weather forecasters are going crazy with predictions for snow in the American South. In Atlanta, Georgia, people have rushed to the grocery stores seeking milk, eggs, and other necessities. They look ready. People are digging out their winter weather gear. Of course, some folks around here have been wearing parkas and boots ever since temperatures dipped below 60-degrees. But, all this weather talk does make me wonder if there are some attainable watches that would be appropriate for extreme winter conditions.

American Explorer Lt. Robert F. Perry in his arctic gear 

One watch that comes to mind is the Seiko Prospex dive watch. The Seiko Model SNE573 accompanied the 63rd and 64th Japanese Antarctic expeditions in 2021 and 2022. It had a very reliable V147 Solar Quartz movement. Today, the comparable Seiko Prospex model is the SNE593. It has the updated Seiko V157 solar quartz movement. Seiko Prospex watches have been tested in conditions down to 20-degrees Celsius.

Timex SNE593 Prospex (Amazon photo)

Like its predecessor, the Seiko SNE593 has a 10-month power reserve when fully charged, water resistance for up to 200-meters, a rotating unidirectional bezel, lumibrite hands and markers, and a reputation for ruggedness. You can peruse or purchase this watch at my affiliate link on Amazon here.

Sharp Watch Shout Out: MVMT Astro Blue Men's Quartz Chronograph Watch

The MVMT brand is a great choice for collectors who want great looks at affordable price points. They've zeroed in on younger watch collectors who can't afford the premium luxury brands that get so much attention in the watch media.  Originally a microbrand, MVMT grew into a company that was bought by the Movado Group. It's a watch company founders' dream. Today, I'm highlighting a sharp looking chronograph that looks like a million bucks, but costs less than $100.  On the MVMT website, this watch is called on Astro Blue. On Amazon, I call it one heck of a deal.

MVMT Astro Blue (Amazon Photo)

At 47mm in diameter, the Astro Blue is a big watch with lots of wrist presence.  But, it also has a sophisticated minimalist style that looks like a watch of substance. I love the dial color, the sophisticated old world crown, and the minimalist dial.  That's why the MVMT Astro Blue gets a sharp watch shout out!

If you'd like to get this watch, it's available at a bargain price here on Amazon via my affiliate link. This watch is proof that beauty, sophisticated style, a compelling brand story, and a bargain price can come together in a masterpiece.

An Indiana University Watch: The SunTime Men's Competitor

The Indiana University Hoosiers football program had an incredible season. They went undefeated all season and won the 2025-26 National College Football championship by defeating a strong Miami Hurricanes team. They also defined how winning college football programs are built in this era of compensated players and the transfer portal. If you are a long suffering Indiana football fan, you deserve a watch to celebrate this season. Fortunately, Suntime has a great dive-inspired watch with a 40mm diameter dial. It's called the SunTime Men's Competitor.

SunTime Men's Competitor (Amazon photo)

The SunTime Men's Competitor is available here via my Amazon affiliate link. It's a watch to celebrate champions!

Wristwatch Review: Kenneth Cole REACTION Quartz Chronograph Watch

This is a review of a Kenneth Cole REACTION watch that I've had for quite awhile. It's probably three or four years old. That's probably an eternity in the product life cycle of a fashion watch company. But, it is worth taking a look at this watch so that you can know what to expect from the brand.

Kenneth Cole REACTION Quartz Chronograph Watch

REACTION Watch Features

My Kenneth Cole REACTION chronograph has functional subdials and pusher buttons powering chronograph functions that include a 1/10 of a second timer at 12 o'clock, a second timer at 6 o'clock, and a minute timer at 9 o'clock. The watch also has the date canted at an angle in a window near 5 o'clock. The bezel has sporty diver-style markings, but is of the fixed (non-rotating) variety. From a functional perspective, the watch works well and the chronograph features work very well. I could easily use this watch to time some sort of event.

REACTION Watch Style

This watch has a bold, athletic, style. I think the blue case and blue dial work very well together. The dial has vertical stripes in relief to provide some additional visual interest.  

REACTION Watch Construction

Inside, the watch is powered by a Chinese-made  quartz movement. The watch has a stainless steel case back, a presumably base metal case, and a textured silicone strap. The watch takes an SR920SW watch battery.

Kenneth Cole REACTION Stainless Steel Caseback

This chronograph has 3 Atmosphere (30-meter) water resistance. That is enough to avoid damage from incidental splashes. However, the watch should be protected from full immersion from showers, swimming, dishwashing, or heavy rain.

REACTION Watch Dimensions

This Kenneth Cole REACTION chronograph is a bold presence on the wrist. It has a 45mm diameter case. It's almost 47mm if you include the crown. The case is 11mm thick.  The lug-to-lug measurements come in at 47mm. The stainless steel bracelet is 25mm wide at the lug and tapers to about 17mm at the clasp.  It's  long enough to fit my 7 3/4-inch wrist perfectly without adjustment.

This Kenneth Cole REACTION Chronograph is not a dog

When it comes time to replace this watch strap, I may face a challenge due to the unusual tapering of the strap to fit in the lugs and match the curvature of the case.

Overall Impressions of the REACTION Chronograph

The Kenneth Cole REACTION Chronograph was a great find for me at Ross. It has excellent chronograph functions and an easily read dial. Functional, affordable, and good looking, this was a great fashion watch buy.

TGIF: How much watch do you need?

It dawns on me that I'm not going to hike the Pacific Crest trail. I'm not going to dive on a Caribbean shipwreck in search of Spanish gold. I'm not even going to fly an aging DC-3 over the Sahara to deliver mercenaries and steal the Holy Grail. While I might imagine such adventures, it's enough to make me wonder if I really need to buy the perfect watches for them. When the watch ceases to be a necessary tool for adventure and becomes a talisman to ignite the imagination about potential adventures, you have the opportunity to save quite a bit of money on watches.

This Rolex Sea Dweller Might Be Overkill

Enter the fashion watch. A fashion watch might nail the adventuring look perfectly, but cost much less than the premium adventure watch. You could step down from the genuine dive watch to the diver-style watch. Externally, they look much the same. In fact, the diver-style watch might be a little skinnier and work more easily with your wardrobe. I've covered the differences between dive watch and a diver-style watch here with this blog post defining dive watches. I've also covered that you don't need a helium-release valve unless you are a commercial diver working with a diving bell. It's pretty simple. If you aren't Jacques Cousteau, you don't really need his Rolex.

A Commercial Dive Helmet

We've got a lot of programming to overcome. Financial success and hard work are often reflect on the wrist. But, with the rare exception of a few financial deal makers and salesmen, the high-end Swiss watch doesn't necessarily help build towards that success. After all, a $12,000 Rolex is the equivalent of 2400 $5 Lattes at the coffee shop down the street.

Affordable Alternatives to the Patek Philippe Nautilus

The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a watch with a value in the stratosphere. It was originally introduced in 1976 as a response to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and marketed as the costliest steel watch in the world. The model shown (below) is the Reference 5711-1A and was produced from 2006 to 2021 is the most coveted in the collectors market. On Chrono24, a used Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711-1A is being sold for $124,999. It's a staggering price for most of us, but that blue dial is very popular.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus, Ref 5711-1A (Patek Philippe SA, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

The Reference 5711 is a 40mm diameter case, a date complication, and it also has an exhibition caseback that allows you to see the movement including its 21-carat gold rotor. As listed on Chrono24, the one I saw also has its original box and papers. It is definitely an amazing investment grade watch that may see its value rise and fall over the years. However, as a resident of a crime-plagued American big city, I'll definitely have to keep mine in a vault and look for an affordable alternative that I can present to muggers and home invaders.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Homage Watches

Fortunately, there is no shortage of Patek Philippe Nautilus homage watches. This iconic watch has inspired many watch designers.

Nibosi Nautilus Homage

Let's start with Nibosi. This brand makes some nice homage watches and some independent designs of their own. They make a nice looking quartz homage to the famed Patek Philippe. It even comes in 9 different dial and bracelet color combinations.

Nibosi Men's Quartz Analog Stainless Steel Watch (Amazon Photo)

You can check this watch out here on our Amazon affiliate link. It won't be nearly as comfortable as a real Patek, but you can wear it to Walmart or Waffle House without fear. It costs about $35.

Specht & Söhne Nautilus Homage

If you are looking for a slightly more upscale experience, Specht & Söhne offers a 5711 homage with a reliable Japanese Miyota 8215 automatic movement,  a screw-down crown, a stainless steel case and bracelet, and 50-meters of water resistance.

Specht & Söhne Nautilus Homage (Amazon Photo)

This watch movement allows hand-winding but can also be wound through the natural movement of your wrist. It might also be more analogous to wearing an actual Nautilus 5711. It also has an exhibition caseback. However, you'll miss that rotor of gold. You can check this watch out here with our Amazon affiliate link. If you like the Patek Philippe Nautilus design, this may be your best bet. It comes in 6 different case and color combinations. The brand also has homage watches that are similar to the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and Cubitus timepieces.

If you don't want a copycat homage to this famed watch, keep your eyes open. You may find similar design language with aspects of the porthole design theme or integrated bracelet in other watches from brands that might evoke the Nautilus in more subtle ways.

Watch Deal Alert: Timex Expedition Scout in Blue

Timex has a great Amazon deal on its Timex Expedition Scout watch with a blue dial and blue fabric strap.  This Timex Men's 40mm Expedition Scout has a blue dial and a denim-like blue fabric strap mixed with leather in all the right paces.  I reviewed the leather strap version of this watch back in 2018, you can read my Timex Expedition Scout review here. If you are allowed to wear jeans to your office, this watch is just perfect for that kind of casual look!

Timex 40mm Expedition Scout Watch (Amazon photo)

This Timex Expedition watch has Indiglo Backlighting, 50 meters of water resistance, and perfect blue watch dial and strap combination. It gets 4.4 stars among Amazon purchasers and they sell over 600 of these watches every month. It's a great beater watch that can stand up to everyday wear and outdoor activity. Plus, it's easy, breezy, and casual. No one will suspect you are part of an invasion force or anything.

The Timex Expedition Scout Amazon Deal

As of January 11, 2026, this watch is 35% off to come in under $30. If you'd like to jump on this deal, you can find this Timex Expedition Scout here via my Amazon affiliate link.

The Best Timex Offerings on Amazon

I've collected some of the best Timex watches being offered on Amazon in one convenient page - Best Timex Watches on Amazon.

Watches A to Z: Torgoen

If you are a watch enthusiast interested in affordable watches. One brand may deserve a second look: Torgoen. The Torgoen watch brand was founded in 2009 by watchmakers and aviation enthusiasts who were inspired by aircraft instrument panels. Led by Israeli-born pilot and entrepreneur, Benzi Rozenski, the brand focuses on practical, readable, aviation-themed, timepieces. The brand was acquired by E. Gluck Corporation in 2019. However, the focus on quality, design, and affordability continues unabated.

Torgoen T10 Carbon Pilot Watch for Men (Amazon photo)

One of the Torgoen watches that caught my eye is the Torgoen T10 Carbon Pilot Watch (above) for men. It has a 44mm diameter case, very readable hands and markers, 100-meter water resistance, and a Swiss Quartz Ronda movement. The Torgoen T10 watch is available here on Amazon via my affiliate link. 

Torgoen watches use quality Swiss movements, comfortable silicone or Italian leather straps, and high grade materials like 316L Stainless Steel for watch cases and K1 or sapphire for watch crystals. For affordability, final assembly of the watches may be done in Asian manufacturing centers. While a handful of Torgoen watches are offered on Amazon at very attractive prices, the brand primarily sells direct to consumer from their own website. 

Torgoen XP-51 (Torgoen Photo)

Some of the brand's most interesting timepieces are created in collaboration with the award-winning historic aircraft preservation firm, Pacific Fighters. As of this writing, all of the Torgoen x Pacific Fighters watches sell at price points between $350 and $500. Unfortunately, most of these limited production timepieces have sold out except for the current offering. The amazing Torgoen XP-51 Mustang Quartz GMT watch. It is made from wing flap skin metal from an actual P-51 Mustang that is undergoing restoration. You'll definitely want to check their website out for this watch, current offerings, clearance deals and more.  You can find them all here at Torgoen.com.

How to Buy A Lorus Watch in the United States

Lorus is a Seiko brand that was launched in 1982 to bring reliable, affordable, timepieces to younger markets. At the time, Lorus supplemented the Pulsar and Seiko line-ups and was launched internationally. I've owned a few Lorus watches over the years that I bought in the 1990s in various American department stores.

An Older Lorus watch from my collection

However, the brand is not officially sold in the United States. Apparently, the official markets for Lorus watches are Europe, Canada, South Africa, Fiji, and Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand. It's a shame that the brand isn't more widespread in the United States since the timepieces generally offer great value.

What if you want to buy a Lorus watch in the United States?

Lorus watches are available in the United States from a variety of gray market sources including foreign watch shops online. In a quick search, two Dutch watch companies (links provided), Masters In Time and Mightywatches, both offer Lorus watches.

Lorus Men's Quartz Watch RG245XX9 (Amazon photo)

Lorus watches can be conveniently ordered online from dealers on Amazon.com and Walmart.com. The Amazon.com offering seem to have a wide variety, but cost more to ship. Walmart has just a couple of Lorus watches, but shipping is free. The Lorus Model RG245XX9 (shown above) is offered on Amazon here at my affiliate link. As a gray market watch, shipping is $24.99 and may take a month or so.

Lorus Sports Watch with Blue Dial (Amazon Photo)

The Lorus brand offers good value and, for American collectors, the opportunity for an unusual watch choice. For example, this Lorus sports model looks pretty solid.  You can check it out easily via my affiliate link on Amazon. Ultimately, there are most likely equally solid choices for similar watches from other Seiko brands like Citizen or Orient. Still, it is fun to live in a world full of watch choices.